Katie Powell |
Message from the Executive Director
This past summer, EI Board Member Roger Evans and I had the opportunity to meet with a lovely family from Philadelphia. They had read about our upcoming concert in the local Sun Valley paper and had some
questions about Expedition Inspiration. How did we raise money? Where did the funds go? How were the funding decisions made? Were we local or national? One question that was asked - who is the "inspiration," now
that our founder, Laura Evans, is gone? They could clearly see the
"expedition" part of the formula, but what about the "inspiration?" The family member who asked this question had just finished chemotherapy treatments in her own battle against breast cancer. A very busy mother of three small children, she had scheduled our meeting around hiking, biking and fishing activities. After some thought about an answer to her pointed question, it came to me. SHE is the "inspiration." Her positive mental
attitude, her enthusiasm for outdoor activities, her love for her family and her search for a cure-that is the "inspiration" in Expedition Inspiration. She is all women with breast cancer; she is why we raise money for research; and she is why we will keep climbing until there is a cure.
Expedition Inspiration held three climbs in 2002, two of which were led by incredible women: Cara Liberatore and Melody Blaney. They have both written personal accounts of their trips for this UPDATE. Eve Ruff, who participated in EI's Mt. Rainier Climb, also wrote the article about her experience. Additionally, the Seventh Annual Los Angeles Take-A-Hike, led by the indefatigable, BJ Dockweiler and her entire Steering Committee, raised the most money ever for research at USC/Norris and UCLA/ Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Centers.
And last, but not least, Grammy Award winner, Juice Newton, performed in concert this summer in Sun Valley. EI's annual concert raises funds to underwrite Expedition Inspiration's Annual Laura Evans Breast Cancer Symposium. And the family from Philadelphia came-and danced every dance. And THAT'S "inspiration!"
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Appalachian Trail -
A Great Adventure
Appalachian Trail, TN
End of the Trail
Left to right, Melody Blaney, (our leader) Alison Miyasaki, Michelle Vanderlip
and Hettie Barnes
(co-leader). |
The bald mountains of Tennessee were just one of the highlights of our second hike along the Appalachian Trail, September 15th to the 21st. The balds offered incredible panoramas of the surrounding mountains, with just a hint of fall colors. The views, the colors, and the beautiful weather made for a memorable hike over challenging terrain.
The crystal clear water of Laurel Falls was breathtaking and a most welcome sight after four days of backpacking. A plunge into the waters helped to sooth the trail-weary muscles of the hikers. Melody Blaney, of Wildside Adventures, again led EI's second Appalachian Trail hike. She was assisted by Hettie Barnes. Both women are from Catawba, VA. Also participating were Michelle Vanderlip of Perry Township, OH and Alison Miyasaki from Honolulu, HI. Alison climbed with Expedition Inspiration on our Mt. Aspiring Climb in New Zealand.
EI hikers enjoying
the soothing waters
of Laurel Falls. |
This 50 mile A.T. trip was especially heartwarming for all the hikers, as Michelle was celebrating five years of being cancer free. Congratulations, Michelle! Thank you to Alison and Michelle for all your great fundraising efforts on behalf of EI. And a very
special thanks to Melody and Hettie, who volunteered their time and expertise to make this adventure such a special week for all!
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